Erik Ten Hag looks a possible solution after a disastrous ending to what was to be a promising season for The Devils - Here is why

The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho last summer appeared to the football world as though Manchester United have finally solve the puzzle that has seen them struggle since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

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After another year of dismay which spell a fifth year without a trophy for the Red Devils, the priority now is finding the right manager to lead the team from the start of next season.

Many have come and gone but after a promising start to his spell at the helm, many had thought Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come to stay and with time tipped to become the rightful hier to their former Scottish manager but things later turned sour between the Norwegian and the club.

Though it was never plain sailing for Solskjaer before the start of the ongoing season. He has had his moments but mostly failed where it mattered the most. And even though many felt his time was not all doom for the club, their inability to maintain the second place finish in the league last season might have it otherwise.

Despite rewarding him with a three year contract at the start of the season, a move many did questioned as even during the past season, there have been question marks on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenacity to continue leading the team.

However, after his subsequent dismissal late last year and the current situation the club now find themselves in, it is no brainer not to admit that the years under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have indeed been years wasted.

The Real Worry

Manchester United moved on by appointing Ralf Rangnick as an interim manager, despite his rich experience in the management game, there is no denying that United’s struggle is nearing no end with inconsistent performances added to players lacking the cutting edge in front of goal.

Despite leaving Spain with what was a positive result in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 double-header with Atletico Madrid, Manchester United still failed to secure qualification, losing 1-0 in the return leg in England.

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Moreso, they are in a difficult situation of not qualifying for the next season’s Champions League as they now sit fifth on the Premier League log, with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal holding the better advantage.

The poor form as also affected the places of the players in their respective National Teams with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford exclusion from the Three Lions squad for the upcoming games, while David de Gea has also been overlooked by Spain boss, Luis Enrique.

United's trouble seems to know no end but as clubs like Liverpool and other top European teams have also passed through this phase, appointing the right manager could help United finally move on from this disheartening episode.

Who will then be the right candidate ?

At the appointment of Ralf Rangnick, many though he will be able to move the club on due to the pedigree he has managing at several teams but the German maybe affected by the top club pressure which he was not used to at his previous jobs.

As the German is a more administrative minded individual, it could set up well for United if they can but identify the right manager, as it this stage all seems to be in place but only the right man.

Of the names been tipped for the job, current Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag seems to tick all the boxes as per the terrific job he is doing with the Dutch side.

In contrast to Rangnick, Ten Hag is used to the pressure of managing at a top team with Ajax being the best in the Eredivisie and maintaining the status with consistent performances in the topflight and Europe.

His Ajax side are one of the most entertaining teams in Europe since taking over and again so far this season, they have produced 128 goals in just 39 games across all competitions while recording a winning percentage of 77.

Although their incredible run in the Champions League came to an early ending in the hands of Benfica, but that should not take anything away from a run which saw them won all six group games before drawing one and losing one against the Portuguese.

His appointment will also be massive for young players coming through the ranks at the club given the roles he played in the breakthrough of the likes of Frenkie De Jong, Mattijs De Ligt, Donny van de Beek and most recently Ryan Gravenberch.

Premier League clubs are know to benefit from their Academy as a lot of talented players seems to come through the ranks. In the past, United have found joy in the likes of Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Scot Mctominay and a few coming in.

Recently, Anthony Elanga is giving a real fight for a place in the first team but that should not overshadow the fact that it is just not enough compared to what other top clubs are getting from their Academy.

Arsenal for example this season have been all about their Hale End Academy as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe continue to make the headlines week in and out. Ten Haag coming in will give a boost to the United Academy, where a lot of names are already gearing to be known in the outside world.

Ten Hag was linked with the United job last summer but it appeared the club were holding on for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the announcement of his contract extension but having giving up on their former striker, the time could be right for the man that appeared the right candidate to assume the reigns.

Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi